- 21 The CPT recommends that these procedural obligations be strictly observed by police officers, prosecutors and judges and, to this end, it would like to be informed of the steps taken to ensure that this is the case. 25. Almost none of the detained persons met who alleged ill-treatment had filed a complaint against the police, citing either a fear of retribution or concern that the crime investigators would add more serious charges to their case. Many stated that they had been expressly advised against making a complaint by their lawyers, as this might have a negative impact on their case (i.e. a harsher prison sentence).14 The CPT’s delegation also found evidence in some prosecution files that complainants had been obliged to pay a fee (up to €100) in order to lodge an official complaint about ill-treatment.15 This practice is unacceptable and should be changed. Several alleged victims, particularly foreigners, stated that they were either unaware of the possibility to file a complaint or pointed to the lack of legal advice and/or interpretation services. In this respect, the delegation noted that the relevant complaints form (Δ-34 form) was only handed out upon request and not systematically to all detained persons, as required by the instructions issued by the Chief of Staff of the Hellenic Police of 16 October 2013. Further, the lack of confidentiality in the collection and treatment of the complaints form dissuaded persons from making an official complaint. The CPT recommends that the Greek authorities take appropriate steps to ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty by the Hellenic Police are effectively informed about their right to make a complaint against the police (see also paragraph 52). Further, the complaints procedure should be reviewed so as to guarantee the confidential treatment of complaints. It goes without saying that detained persons should always be able to make complaints free of charge and, where necessary, that access to interpretation services be provided. 14 15 At Korydallos Female Remand Prison, the delegation interviewed a woman who alleged that she had been repeatedly slapped, punched and kicked by police officers during questioning on three consecutive days for the purpose of obtaining her confession. When she told her lawyer about the beatings, he advised her not to complain, as she did not show any visible marks from the ill-treatment. Apparently, a fee of up to €100 was introduced in 2010 in order to discourage “frivolous complaints”. The delegation was told by a public prosecutor that the proceeds of this fee (known as a “megarosimo”) were used to fund the upkeep of public buildings.